EU shows emails to support case that Intel pressured computer makers into shunning AMD chips

EU cites emails to support Intel anti-trust case

BRUSSELS — The European Union is publishing computer makers’ e-mail excerpts to support a ruling that Intel Corp. pressured companies into choosing their chips over rival Advanced Micro Devices Inc.

Intel was hit by a record EU antitrust fine of euro1.06 billion ($1.45 billion) last May for using strong-arm sales tactics to squeeze out AMD. Intel rejects the charges and is appealing to the EU courts.

EU regulators say Dell Inc. executives were warning each other that buying more AMD chips could trigger “severe and prolonged” retaliation from Intel.

Hewlett-Packard Co., Lenovo Group Ltd. and NEC Corp. also received Intel rebates only if they bought most of their chips from the company, according to company e-mails published by the EU.